C 07-The Role of Information Boards in Communicating Rainwater Harvesting Systems:

Engr. Aditya Dev

Effective communication is key to the success of any project, especially one that involves innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting systems. Information boards play a crucial role in ensuring that all stakeholders, including the public, project team members, and beneficiaries, understand the project's design, impact, and functioning. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of info board printing and describe how it has been used in the project "Design a Comprehensive Rainwater Harvesting System for the Savar Campus of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP)."

Why Info Boards Matter for Environmental Projects

Information boards are a visual representation of important details about a project, providing insight into its purpose, key components, and technical details. They not only inform but also engage audiences, ensuring that even those with minimal technical knowledge can grasp the basic functioning and benefits of the project. In environmental projects like rainwater harvesting, an info board plays an educational role by promoting sustainability and encouraging replication of such systems in other areas.

Describing the Info Board for the CRP Savar Rainwater Harvesting System

The info board for the rainwater harvesting system at CRP Savar (shown in the image) is a great example of how technical information can be conveyed clearly and visually. Below is a breakdown of the components and key features highlighted on the info board:

1. Catchment Area

  • The roof of the building is used as the primary catchment area (marked as #1), collecting rainwater. The roof size is mentioned as 9,119 square meters, indicating a substantial area to capture rainwater.

2. Conveyance System

  • Water collected from the roof flows through a conveyance system (#2), consisting of pipes that direct the rainwater into storage and filtration components. The pipes ensure efficient water flow to minimize losses.

3. First Flushing System

  • Before the water enters the main storage tanks, it passes through a first flushing system (#3) designed to remove debris and contaminants from the initial rainwater, ensuring cleaner water reaches the sedimentation tank.

4. Sedimentation Tank

  • The system includes a sedimentation tank (#4), where heavier particles settle at the bottom, further cleaning the rainwater before it continues to the next stage. The capacity of this tank is 10,000 liters, which allows for a large volume of water to be processed at once.

5. Flow Meter and Filtration Tank

  • The flow meter (#5) helps in monitoring the volume of water collected, while the filtration tank (#6) ensures the water is purified before being stored or used. The filtration system plays a critical role in making the water suitable for non-potable uses such as washing.

6. Underground Reservoir and Recharge Components

  • One of the key features of this project is the underground reservoir (#7) and the recharge system, consisting of a recharge pit (#8) and a recharge trench (#9). These components allow excess water to seep back into the ground, replenishing local aquifers, which is vital in managing water sustainably.
  • The underground reservoir has a storage capacity of 65,000 liters, and the recharge mechanisms ensure water is efficiently returned to the water table, promoting long-term groundwater sustainability.

7. End Use and Washing Plant

  • The system's primary use is for cloth washing, as indicated by the washing plant (#10) shown in the diagram. This is an efficient way to recycle and reuse rainwater, reducing the demand for freshwater resources for non-drinking purposes.

Facts and Figures for a Holistic Understanding

The info board also includes key statistics that help stakeholders understand the system’s scale and potential impact:

  • Number of Roofs: 10
  • Total Roof Area: 9,119 sqm
  • Potential Recharge in a Year: 9,400,000 liters (9,400 m³)
  • Potential Reuse in a Year: 3,200,000 liters (3,200 m³)
  • Sedimentation Tank Capacity: 10,000 liters
  • Filtration Tank Capacity: 10,000 liters
  • Underground Reservoir Capacity: 65,000 liters

These figures provide a clear snapshot of the system's capacity and expected performance, giving confidence in the project's sustainability goals.

 

Benefits of This Info Board

  1. Educational Value: The info board simplifies the technical details of a complex rainwater harvesting system. It provides a visual representation of how rainwater is collected, treated, and reused, making it easy for stakeholders to understand the system's purpose and benefits.

  2. Transparency: By showcasing facts and figures, the info board promotes transparency, ensuring that everyone involved in the project can track its capacity and potential water savings.

  3. Promotes Sustainability: Highlighting the system's potential to recharge groundwater and reduce freshwater demand encourages other institutions and individuals to consider similar projects.

  4. Enhanced Communication: The board uses a combination of visuals, diagrams, and text to ensure that people with varying levels of technical knowledge can grasp the key concepts, making it a valuable tool for communication.

Conclusion

The info board for the rainwater harvesting system at CRP Savar serves as a comprehensive communication tool, showcasing how rainwater is collected, treated, and reused. It simplifies complex information into an easy-to-understand format, ensuring the success of the project by informing and engaging its stakeholders. By investing in well-designed info boards, projects like this not only ensure better implementation but also inspire others to adopt sustainable practices in water management.

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